Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Motherwort
Until recently, scientists dismissed motherwort as useless. But studies have indicated that the ancients who named this herb cardiaca may have been onto something.
Heart Disease - Test-tube studies in China show motherwort relaxes heart cells, which lends some support to its ancient use in calming palpitations. Other Chinese studies suggest motherwort helps prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack. And Russian researchers suggest the herb contains chemicals that reduce blood pressure. These findings are preliminary, but they support the ancient view that motherwort has a general tonic effect on the heart.
In otherwise healthy adults, occasional heart palpitations are usually no cause for alarm. However, they may also be a sign of disturbances in heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia), which is potentially serious and requires professional attention If you experience frequent palpitations, consult your physician.
If you have high blood pressure or heart disease and would like to incorporate motherwort into your treatment plan, do so only with approval and supervision from your physician.
Tranquilizer - German studies show motherwort has mild sedative action, comparable to valerian, making it potentially effective against insomnia or anxiety.
Women’s Health - Not many tranquilizers are also uterine stimulants, but motherwort contains a chemical (leonurine) that encourages uterine contractions, lending support to its traditional use in childbirth and menstruation promotion.
Pregnant women should not use it, except possibly at term and only under the supervision of a physician, to help stimulate labor. For other women, it may help bring on their periods.
Rx for Motherwort
For a possible tranquilizing, uterine stimulating, blood pressure-lowering infusion, use I to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day, a tablespoon at a time. Motherwort tastes very bitter. Add sugar, honey, and lemon, or mix it into an herbal beverage tea to improve flavor.
In a tincture, take ½ to 1 teaspoon up to twice a day. Motherwort should not be given to children under age 2.
For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.